IndusInd Iconia Amex vs Standard Chartered Ultimate
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
IndusInd Iconia Amex wins 6-2. Mid-premium Amex with annual-fee waiver from year 2. Standard Chartered Ultimate is still the right call if best general earn-rate at the ₹5k fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IndusInd Iconia Amex | Standard Chartered Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹5,000 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,500 | · ₹5,000 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · 3.3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 3.3% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 4,000 reward points + Yatra voucher | = 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | N/A (no fee) | · ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹600,000 | · ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 770 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
IndusInd Iconia Amex
- 10 reward points per ₹100 on weekend dining + grocery
- 4 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Annual fee waived from year 2 (lifetime)
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Buy-1-get-1 BookMyShow
Standard Chartered Ultimate
- 5 reward points per ₹150 (effectively 3.3%)
- 4 complimentary international lounge visits/year
- BookMyShow buy-1-get-1
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Comprehensive travel + purchase insurance
FAQ
›IndusInd Iconia Amex vs Standard Chartered Ultimate: which is better?
IndusInd Iconia Amex wins on more dimensions (6 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use IndusInd Iconia Amex for its best categories, Standard Chartered Ultimate for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
IndusInd Iconia Amex: 4,000 reward points + Yatra voucher. Standard Chartered Ultimate: 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher.